In the news: your weekly round-up

Top stories

List of schools affected by RAAC published. The DfE has published the full list of schools known to be affected by dangerous RAAC, but warns the number could rise as more schools respond to surveys. [BBC News]. 

Support from GovernorHub Knowledge:  Get answers about the RAAC situation with our RAAC frequently asked questions, and find template letters to  help your school explain your next moves to parents/carers.

NASUWT confirms industrial action from 18 September. Union members have been instructed to carry out action short of strikes, including refusing to take part in extracurricular activities, participate in mock inspections, or work over lunchtimes, weekends and bank holidays. [Schools Week]. 

Support from GovernorHub Knowledge:  Read our industrial action FAQs to remind yourself of the rules around action in your school.

ASCL calls for consultation on single-word Ofsted judgements. The Association of School and College Leaders is asking for a consultation on the removal of the overall effectiveness judgement and 4 separate judgements [Tes Magazine - registration required]. 

Support from GovernorHub Knowledge:  Find out what your school needs to do under the current Ofsted framework, and what the different judgement areas mean for you.

This week’s headlines

 Schools Week

• Sir Martyn Oliver sets out his priorities as the likely new Ofsted Chief Inspector
• Labour pledges to limit branded school uniform items to save families money

Tes Magazine - registration required

• Nearly 9/10 schools are giving uniform and clothing to pupils, new report finds
• Headteachers need more support to tackle absence, Children’s Commissioner says
• Labour plans to reinstate School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB) if elected

BBC News

• 1/5 pupils persistently absent last year, DfE data shows
• Pupils are vaping in toilets during lesson time, NHS trust finds

The Guardian 

• RAAC crisis poses risk to pupils’ mental health, headteacher warns
• Cost of fixing dangerous RAAC in schools still unknown, highlights schools minister

The Telegraph - registration required

• Majority of Conservative and Labour voters favour universal free school meals, survey finds

 Upcoming dates

Friday 15 September - International Day of Democracy

Friday 15 September - Rosh Hashanah begins (at sundown)

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